Florida among 30 states with highest flu activity, CDC reports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a significant rise in flu cases across the nation, and Southwest Florida is experiencing the impact.

Between December 20 and December 27, the country saw a 33% increase in people testing positive for the flu. The CDC also reported an 8% increase in healthcare visits for flu symptoms. This aligns with the Christmas travel period, which often leads to the spread of respiratory illnesses.

"During the holidays, people gather together, and they share food and drinks, but they also share their flu, and they cough, and they sneeze," said Jose Almanzar, a physician assistant at Oasis Urgent Care in Fort Myers.

Before the holiday season, the CDC reported that only six states had "very high" flu activity. Now, Florida is among 30 states in the highest tier of flu activity.

Dr. Rosemary Higgins from Florida Gulf Coast University reported that the predominant strain this year is influenza H3N2, resulting in over 11 million cases, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths across the U.S.

"The problem with this flu is people are infectious a day before they get sick, and that's one of the other things that's probably causing an increased rate, because they're infectious before they even really realize they're sick," said Higgins.

Locally, Higgins said that 30% of flu tests are positive. Almanzar has also noticed the increase at his practice.

"We are definitely seeing a rise in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms," said Almanzar. "We have the rapid testing done on them, and most people with the symptoms are testing positive, mainly with influenza A."

However, Lee Health is reporting lower levels than last year. From December 21 to December 27, Lee Health's ambulatory department reported 531 positive specimens: 399 for influenza A and 132 for influenza B. Meanwhile, acute care reported 419 positive specimens: 362 influenza A and 57 influenza B.

"This represents a consistent weekly increase, as expected and annually occurs," said Jaclyn Bevis, spokesperson for Lee Health. "Our numbers this year are below the level we were at for the same weeks last year."

If you suspect you have the flu, most urgent care centers, primary doctors, and some pharmacies offer testing. And while you wait to figure out what's got you down, be mindful and isolate yourself from others until you feel better.

To prevent getting the flu, it's essential to stay hydrated, wash your hands, and, as Higgins pointed out, it's never too late to get vaccinated. 

"The vaccine is effective after a week or two after you get the dose, so you can still get protection from the vaccine," said Higgins.